[Boatanchors] soldering stations

[Richard Keller]

This does not strictly apply to boatanchors but I have
decided to get a soldering station and there is confusion
now that I have reasearched the subject online. I plan to
use it for hollow state as well as state of art
applications. I was ready to just order the Weller WLC100
until I read various opinions on these questions:

1. Should the tip be grounded and the grip ESD portected,
and why?

2. Some refer to watts and others deg F. One site said a
single layer board requires a minimum of 900 deg and then
hotter as layers increase. What is your opinion?

3. One site mentions that the tip determines the temperature
but I thought it was the element and it's control. Which is
it?

4. Some say the only quality general purpose is the Weller
WTCPT or WTCPK but the price is higher than I can justify.
Are the good ones all close to $100 or higher?

Thanks in advance for your opinions.
73, Dick KF4NS
St. Petersburg, FL 33714 USA
Keep the glow!